Current Turkish growth reference charts based on anthropometric measurements of individuals with high socioeconomic status in Istanbul in 1989-2002 (TK2002) had shown an increase of mean adult height (1.4 and 2.7 cm in males and females) compared with 1978. Given recent improvements in nutrition, hygiene and access to preventive health services, it is hypothesized that this positive secular trend may continue. A prior power analysis (95% power) showed that at least 122 subjects of each sex were needed to detect a 1.8 cm height increase (p=0.05) vs TK2002. In 2023-2024 a sample of Turkish young adults (18-26 years) was randomly selected from 65,000 students at Istanbul University, originating from every region of Turkey (TK2024). Height, weight, and socioeconomic status (SES, categorized into four groups) were recorded and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Adult height and BMI were compared with TK2002 and with young adults of Turkish origin living in the Netherlands measured in 2009 (NL2009).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 26 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Age:
Participants must be between 18 and 26 years old.
Student Status:
Participants must be current students at Istanbul University.
Voluntary Participation:
Participants must voluntarily agree to participate in the study and provide informed, written consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
Chronic Disease:
Participants with a diagnosis of any chronic disease are excluded.
History of Surgery Affecting Growth:
Participants with a history of any surgery that could affect linear growth are excluded.
Growth Retardation:
Participants with a diagnosis of growth retardation are excluded.
Growth Hormone Administration:
Participants who have received growth hormone treatment are excluded.
Parental Origin:
Participants with a parent born outside of Turkey are excluded.
Birth Height or Weight:
Participants with a birth height or weight less than -2 standard deviations (SDS) are excluded.
Current Height or BMI:
Participants with a current height or BMI less than -3 SDS or greater than +3 SDS are excluded.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.